Mt Hagen Kagamuga four-lane road construction commences

Thousands of kina worth of properties have been demolished to pave way for the construction of the four lane highway from Kagamuga Airport to Keltiga in the Western Highlands.

The four land highway is part of the K250 million ADB loan secured by the National Government.

The demolition work started on Monday in the presence of the Works Minister Michael Nali and Secretary David Wereh who met with the people affected before travelling to Lae by road to assess the condition of the Highlands highway.

Mr Nali told the people to appreciate development and not to hinder progress for the greed of money as the road would bring a lot of benefit to the people and the province.

He said the road is a major development undertaken by the government after the declaration of Mt Hagen city through an act of parliament including the city of Lae and Kokopo and the government has the right to acquire land for public purpose.

Mr Nali said all property owners will be paid according to the Valuer General’s report and if people have grievances then they can go to the courts.

He urged the landowners to support the contractor China Railway Construction to complete the road without disturbance so that the road is completed on time.

Community leader Mat Kom who lost six titled land with properties alone the road project corridor said the entire community supports the road project and have signed up to allow for the demolition of their properties and houses.

Kom said he was the only person who did not sign up but since every landowner has agreed, he also signed-up and will support the project.

“We want development and therefore we will not disturb although we lost our entire land, business and homes. We will support it and I will take lead to support it although I lost 6 titles,” he said.

Kom said the people want development and want Hagen to grow to serve the highlands region and the construction of the road would free up movement.

Meanwhile Minister Nali said there is a plan to extend the four lane from Keltiga to Togoba junction but that depends on the government’s ability to secure additional funding to undertake that section. Post Courier